Richard Arnold of Devon Ecobuild has specialised in the construction and refurbishment of buildings in an environmentally sensitive way since 1992. He converted an early 19th century threshing barn in Devon using reclaimed and recycled materials, to the extent that crumbling gable-end walls were demolished and the cob remixed and reused. The whole project was carried out with a ‘green’ ethos, from the design of the house for solar gain to the heating and decorating materials.

After a long career in the building industry it was working with fibreglass insulation that made Richard decide that he no longer wanted to work with conventional materials, and he actively sought out natural alternatives. He has strong views on the building industry in 2007 and feels more could be done to protect the environment. “The major house builders have their focus on profit rather than the bigger picture of what their industry contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, waste, and energy consumption. Whilst they provide much-needed new housing to try to meet demand they could do a far better job if they wanted to, but unfortunately this will only happen if there is financial incentive.” Richard believes that a change in legislation is the only thing which will work to alter the way the construction industry works. “I feel the ‘green building’ movement is presently consumer led and legislation is what it will take to bring about significant change. The government could definitely do more by putting some weight behind their professed position and beliefs rather than making rather lack lustre gestures.”

Devon Ecobuild was launched in January 2007 by Richard Arnold, a self-taught joiner and builder with many years of experience in the construction industry. Previous work with ecological architects, Gale and Snowden, inspired Richard to alter his perception of building and materials and use his own enthusiasm and knowledge to create an ecological building and restoration company. Richard Arnold has undertaken many refurbishment projects, including church restorations and refurbishments, and barn conversions across the county. Devon Ecobuild is committed to building projects which will minimise energy and water consumption, have effective eco-friendly insulation, have efficient heating/cooling systems, be built with minimum of waste (reduce, reuse and recycle), and use sustainable and local materials to reduce transportation.

Email: georgi@arthouse-pr.com

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